NAL A3LA-RS Iridium Modem User Guide

NAL A3LA-RS Iridium Modem

Specifications

• Product Name : A3LA-RS
• Version : A
• Date : September 16, 2022
• Document Number : 451-92899-002A
• Email : contact@nalresearch.com

Introduction
The A3LA-RS is a modem that supports various services:

1. Dial-up data switch
2. Direct internet connection (or NIPRNet connection)
3. Direct internet connection using Apollo Emulator (only for DoD EMSS Gateway)
4. Short message service (SMS)
5. Short burst data (SBD)
6. Router-based unrestricted digital internetworking connectivity solution (RUDICS)

The A3LA-RS modem is equipped with the following features:

• SIM reader under the lid
• SMA antenna connector
• DB15 multi-interface connector

IMPORTANT: Do not disassemble the A3LA-RS for repair or services. The warranty is voided if the A3LA-RS is disassembled. Return it to NAL Research for any services. The email for product repairs is support@nalresearch.com.

Included Items
The A3LA-RS is shipped with the following items in the package

• A3LA-RS modem
• Installation CD with manuals and SatTerm software

Additional Requirements
Before using the A3LA-RS, the following additional hardware and software are required

• Desktop or laptop computer
• 9-wire DB25-to-DB9 RS232 data cable
• DC power source
• SatTerm software or any terminal emulator software

Device Description

Multi-Interface Connector
The multi-interface connector is a male (DB) 15-pin miniature

D-Sub type that includes four interfaces

1. RS232
2. DC input power
3. ON/OFF control line
4. TX_ACTIVE

The multi-interface connector pin assignments are as follows

FAQ

• Can I disassemble the A3LA-RS for repair?
  No, disassembling the A3LA-RS voids the warranty. Please return it to NAL Research for any services.

• Where can I find the latest revisions of NAL documents?
  The latest revisions of NAL documents are available on the NAL Research website at https://www.nalresearch.com/support/documentation-downloads/

LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITION OF USE

• This document contains information for the Iridium A3LA-RS modem and accompanying accessories (“Product”), which are provided “as is.” Reasonable effort has been made to make the information in this document reliable and consistent with specifications, test measurements and other information. However, NAL Research Corporation and its affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees or consultants (“NAL Research”) assume no responsibility for any typographical, technical, content or other inaccuracies in this document. NAL Research reserves the right in its sole discretion and without notice to you to change Product specifications and materials and/or revise this document or withdraw it at any time. User assumes the full risk of using the Product specifications and any other information provided.
• NAL Research makes no representations, guarantees, conditions or warranties, either express or implied, including without limitation, any implied representations, guarantees, conditions or warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, satisfactory quality, non-interference, accuracy of informational content, or arising from a course of dealing, law, usage, or trade practice, use, or related to the performance or nonperformance of any products, accessories, facilities or services or information except as expressly stated in this guide and/or the Product and/or satellite service documentation. Any other standards of performance, guarantees, conditions and warranties are hereby expressly excluded and disclaimed to the fullest extent permitted by the law. This disclaimer and exclusion shall apply even if the express limited warranty contained in this guide or such documentation fails of its essential purpose.
• In no event shall NAL Research be liable, whether in contract or tort or any other legal theory, including without limitation strict liability, gross negligence or negligence, for any damages in excess of the purchase price of the Product, including any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages of any kind, or loss of revenue or profits, loss of business, loss of privacy, loss of use, loss of time or inconvenience, loss of information or data, software or applications or other financial loss caused by the Product (including hardware, software and/or firmware) and/or the Iridium satellite, or arising out of or in connection with the ability or inability to use the Product (including hardware, software and/or firmware) and/or the Iridium satellite to the fullest extent these damages may be disclaimed by law and whether advised of the possibilities of such damages. NAL Research is not liable for any claim made by a third party or made by you for a third party.

REVISION HISTORY

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The latest revisions of the NAL documents are available from the NAL Research website at https://www.nalresearch.com/support/documentation-downloads/.

INTRODUCTION

The A3LA-RS is a satellite modem containing an Iridium 9523 transceiver module. Similar to a standard landline modem, the A3LA-RS can be controlled by any data terminal equipment (DTE) capable of sending standard AT commands via a serial port. A DTE can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or even a microcontroller. With the exception of being a data-only modem, the A3LA-RS is functionally compatible with the A3LA-X and A3LA-D. The A3LA-RS does not support voice.

Services supported

1. Dial-up data switch
2. Direct internet connection (or NIPRNet connection)
3. Direct internet connection using Apollo Emulator (only for DoD EMSS Gateway)
4. Short message service (SMS)
5. Short burst data (SBD)
6. Router-based unrestricted digital internetworking connectivity solution (RUDICS)

IMPORTANT: Do not disassemble the A3LA-RS for repair or services. The warranty is voided if the A3LA-RS is disassembled. Return it to NAL Research for any services. The email for product repairs is support@nalresearch.com.

The A3LA-RS is shipped with the following items in the package

• A3LA-RS modem
• Installation CD with manuals and SatTerm software

Before using the A3LA-RS, the following additional hardware and software are required:

• Desktop or laptop computer
• 9-wire DB25-to-DB9 RS232 data cable
• DC power source
• SatTerm software or any terminal emulator software

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

MULTI-INTERFACE CONNECTOR
The multi-interface connector is a male (DB) 15-pin miniature D-Sub type (see Figure 1) that includes four interfaces—RS232, DC input power, ON/OFF control line, and TX_ACTIVE. The multi-interface connector pin assignments are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Multi-Interface Pin Assignments

RS232 DATA INTERFACE (STANDARD 9-WIRE CONFIGURATION)
The A3LA-RS supports a standard RS232 data interface to a DTE incorporating hardware handshaking and flow control. The RS232 data interface comprises eight standard RS232 data, control and status signals, plus a ground-level signal reference, as shown in Table 1. This interface allows a connected DTE to utilize the A3LA-RS’s modem functionality through standard AT and extended sets of AT commands. These commands are defined in the A3LA-RS User Guide Rev A [1].

DC POWER INPUT
The DC power input is through pin 1 (EXT_B+) and pins 3 & 8 (EXT_GND). Keep cables used to supply power to the A3LA-RS as short as possible to prevent significant voltage drop, which can cause the A3LA-RS to malfunction during a data call, SMS session, or SBD session.

POWER ON/OFF CONTROL
With the EXT_ON_OFF pin left unconnected, the A3LA-RS automatically turns on or off when external DC power is applied or removed. Prior to turning off the A3LA-RS, issue command AT*P0 to ensure all memory write activity is completed. When the A3LA-RS is powered off, its internal power-on-reset circuit requires two seconds for voltages to decay. Do not reapply power until this time has elapsed. The EXT_ON_OFF pin can be connected to an external I/O control line to turn a powered A3LA-RS on and off in a toggle fashion.

TYPICAL POWER USAGE PROFILE
Optimize your setup to attain the lowest possible power consumption. Some setup parameters to carefully observe include:

1. Have a clear view of the sky for the antenna.
2. Keep the antenna’s voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) low to minimize power consumption.
3. Keep the antenna cables’ loss to less than 3 dB.
4. Keep the power cable between the A3LA-RS and the power source as short as possible.

ANTENNA CONNECTOR
The A3LA-RS modem uses a single SMA female 50-ohm connector to both transmit and receive (see Figure 2).

Cable loss between the modem and the antenna is critical and must be kept less than 3 dB at the operating frequency of 1616 to 1626.5 MHz. The minimum link margin of 13.1 dB must also be maintained. NAL Research offers several types of antennas for use with the A3LA-RS modem. For low cost and applications where small form factor and light weight are required, NAL Research recommends model SYN7391-C see Figure 3 .

SIM CARD INTERFACE
The A3LA-RS modem contains an integrated subscriber identification module (SIM) reader. The modem uses and requires an Iridium SIM chip for operation, as shown in Figure 4.

CONFIGURING THE A3LA-RS MODEM

1. Remove the SIM cover located at the top of the A3LA-RS modem (see Figure 5). Under the SIM cover is an integrated SIM chip reader. The modem uses and requires an Iridium SIM chip for operation.

2. Detach the SIM chip from the full-size SIM card (see Figure 6).

3. Slide the SIM chip reader’s plastic bracket in the direction indicated by the arrow and lift up the bracket.

4. Place the SIM chip (facing down) into the SIM bracket (see Figure 7).
   There is a small cut-off on one of the corners of the SIM chip.

5. Ensure that the cut-off is pointing upward, which should align the SIM chip with the SIM chip reader.

6. Lower the bracket and lock the SIM bracket by sliding in the reverse direction.

7. Connect a DTE such as a computer, laptop, microcontroller, etc. to the modem DB15 port using the RS232/data cable model HRC-24-7R.
   The cable can be purchased separately from NAL Research. The HRC-24-7R cable consists of a full DB-9 serial connector and two terminal leads for DC power input. A three-wire (TX, RX, and GND) serial cable can also be used if flow control is not required [1]. The A3LA-RS automatically adjusts to the DTE baud.

8. Connect an external antenna to the A3LA-RS.

9. Ensure the antenna has a full view of the sky and the cable loss between the modem and antenna is less than 3 dB.
   WARNING : To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation of 20 cm is required between the antenna and all persons.

10. Supply DC power (can be at any voltage between 3.5 VDC–5.4 VDC) to the power input of the HRC-24-7R.
    The modem will automatically be ON/OFF when DC power is applied/removed if the EXT_ON_OFF pin is left unconnected (pin 1).

11. If power to the modem is cycled, ensure the elapsed time between each power cycle is at least 2 seconds.
    NAL Research’s AC adapter model LA-3098 (purchase separately) can be used to power the A3LA-RS.

12. Wait for about 15 seconds for the modem to register with the Iridium satellite network.

13. Use any terminal emulator software and AT commands to communicate with the modem.
    The A3LA-RS is shipped with a CD with a terminal emulator software package called SatTerm [2]. NAL Research recommends using SatTerm with the A3LA-RS, because it provides a complete reference manual for all AT commands through user-selected buttons for quick and easy access.

14. Verify the following if a data connection cannot be made with the Iridium network:

    • Antenna has a full view of the sky.
    • The PIN has been removed from the SIM chip.
    • Power source provides enough current.

15. Use the following steps to check if the SIM or the Phone Control is locked:

    • If using the SatTerm software, open the AT Command Table for the AT+CPIN command and click the Read button. If NOT using the SatTerm software, enter the command AT+CPIN?
    • If the response from the A3LA-RS is SIM PIN, then the SIM is currently locked (or activated). To remove the SIM, do the following:
    • If using the SatTerm software:
    1. Enter the SIM PIN code (each SIM is shipped with the default code of 1111) in the p box, and then click the Send button. If the PIN code is correct, the response from the A3LA-RS is OK.
    2. Open the AT Command Table for the AT+CLCK command, and then select SC from the f box, select 0 from the m box, and enter the PIN code (again the default code is 1111) in the p box. Click the Send button. If the PIN code is correct, the response is OK.
    3. The SIM is now removed and ready for use.
    • If NOT using the SatTerm software:
    1. Enter the following command AT+CPIN=“PIN code” (where the default PIN code is 1111). If the PIN code is correct, the response is OK.
    2. Enter the following command: AT+CLCK=“SC”,0,“PIN code”. If the PIN code is correct, the response is OK.
    3. The SIM is now removed and ready for use.
    • If the response is PH PIN, then the surface control for the A3LA-RS is locked and the phone PIN code needs to be entered in order to use the commands that operate the A3LA-RS.
    • To unlock the A3LA-RS surface control, do the same procedure in part 15.b above except select CS instead of SC in step 15.b.i.2.
    • If the response is READY or SIM PIN2, then the SIM is not locked and the A3LA-RS is ready for use. No PIN code needs to be entered.
    • If the response is SIM PUK or SIM PUK2, contact your service provider.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For technical support, please contact us at:

• Phone: 703-392-1136, x203
• Fax: 703-392-6795
• Email: support@nalresearch.com
• Technical documents are also available to download on NAL Research’s website www.nalresearch.com in the Support > Documentation & Downloads section.

References

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